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Tried and test lawn mowers for every type of 1000 .
In This Article
Better Homes & Gardens
It ’s understandable if lawn mowing is n’t your favorite chore , but modern lawn mowers have come a prospicient style in making upkeep easier . Thanks to features like ego - propel motors and easily adjustable blades , your lawn will easily be the envy of the pulley block .
Bryan Clayton , the chief executive officer of GreenPal , secern us , “ Push lawn mower are well for lawn up to half an acre . Self - prompt mowers are better for lawn up to one Akka , and ride lawn mower are good for lawn over one acre . ”
Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
In plus to Clayton , we also talk withBen McInerney , founder of Home Garden Guides , for advice on what to look out for when shopping for a Modern mower .
What We Tested
We test 19 lawn mowers on our own yard , using them on different type of sens and in all variety of atmospheric condition . We then evaluated each mower based on theirefficiency , power , strength , cutting deck width , altitude alternative , ease of usance , andsafety features . For more information on how we tested the lawn mower , check outour examination processbelow .
Our Top Picks
Best Cordless Push Lawn Mower
Ego Power+ 21-Inch Select-Cut Mower
It ’s a breeze to push thanks to its knock-down self - propelling technology that essentially moved the lawn mower along for you — no sweat involve .
If you ’re not used to a self - motivate lawn mower , it could take some time to get accustomed to it .
We took the Ego Power+ Select Cut out on a small lawn that film 30 minutes to mop . The garden is mostly vapid , with a terrace and a duet of tree diagram to mow around which turn up elusive for some other mower . The Ego care them well and turned easily , handling the small hill well .
Credit: Walmart
There is no meeting place necessitate apart from arrange on the base if you want it , but it take on a while to visualize out the function and required a thorough read of the instruction manual of arms . Adjusting the deck of cards altitude was passing soft , as was the propelling speed . The handle is also adjustable both in height and slant for user comforter with no back botheration .
If you ’ve never used a self - propelled lawn mower before , the speed and power at which it draw you along might seem a short strange at first ( as shortly as it ’s engaged , it literally just takes off ) , but you always have the option of switching that function off by simply not fascinate the clutch that ’s right on top of the handle .
By the second mowing academic term , we had make the hang of it , though . The lawn mower do impeccably , cutting evenly and smoothly . It did get amaze on a patch of sloshed grass when we strike a offset , but the mower blinked its orangish magnate light to countenance you know that something was incorrect . We moved it to a drier area and it started just fine .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
The lawn mower is very light to manoeuvre with one hand , even when it ’s not on . It gives you the alternative of having the ego - move part on without the blades run so you may push it back to where you need to lay in it without mess up your freshly trim grass .
The unmarried battery it comes with only takes an hour to charge and live on up to 75 minutes , more than enough for a small to average - sized lawn . The mower folds down so succinctly we were able to stack away it in a small-scale space between a shelving rack and a terrace couch . It ’s smashing for anyone with back bother or an older someone , as no try is required to bear on it .
Product Details : Power : assault and battery - powered |Ideal Lawn Size:0.25 to 0.5 acres |Deck Width:21 inches |Deck Height:1.5 to 4 column inch ( adjustable , 6 positions ) |Mower Weight:62.6 pound sterling
Best Gas Riding Mower
John Deere 42-Inch Gas Hydrostatic Riding Lawn Tractor
It ’s fast and can turn sharply around corner and obstacle .
The two separate treadle for forward and turn may take some getting used to .
John Deere ’s S100 42 - column inch riding mower is idealistic for lawn up to 1 Accho , and it ’s small enough for gentle stowing away , too . We tested this motorcar out on a large and hilly holding and found that it do impeccably well .
The mower came full assembled and the instructions were easy to interpret . Starting it up does require a few steps . First , you must push the bracken pedal all the fashion down , then you determine the parking brake . Next , gain the throttle forward to the choke position , and lastly , sprain the key .
Mowing 0.2 land of lawn took just 15 minute . It was able to cut the grass equally and did n’t seem to have any problems when the grass was damp either . The mower was degraded and spry during examination , and it turns corner sharply , so you’re able to get close to obstacle and mow around them .
The lawn mower has big maneuverability and a highly responsive foot pedal that control the speed depending on how hard you push it . pool are no problem for this solid gas lawn mower , and if you need to hap over anything high like rocks , you could just get up the blade via the lever tumbler .
It has two separate pedal for turnabout and forward-moving drive which take some acquiring used to at first . We loved the side discharge parachute that strongly sends grass far away from the mower . steerage was easy and it rides swimmingly , even over crushed rock . It ’s quite a loud mower , but not so much that you postulate see security .
While it does n’t have cycle weightiness or reflectors , we feel dependable using it overall . For added safety machine , however , it features an ignition crosscut electrical switch and headlamp for clearer visibility . The adjustable rear has a short back that supports your lower back , and it ’s well-heeled even with extended utilization .
Product detail : Power : Gas |Ideal Lawn Size : Up to one Accho |Deck Width:42 inches |Deck Height : 1 to 4 inches ( adjustable , 13 positions ) |Mower Weight:414 pounds
Best Electric Riding Mower
Ryobi Brushless 42-Inch Electric Zero Turn Riding Mower
The mower blare when you leave the derriere and while reversing , and there ’s also an auto close - off social function .
It does n’t have power steerage .
The Ryobi 80V HP 42 - inch Electric Riding Lawn Tractor offers a fast and safe riding experience , so it ’s a great choice if you ’re looking for an electric horseback riding option . It ’s a lightweight motorcar due largely to its mostly plastic construction , and we incur that it ’s hushed when in operation .
frame-up took 1.5 hr , which was a act longer than some of the other mowers we tried . Luckily the barrage fire was partly full when it arrived , so we were capable to take it out and test it immediately once it was tack together . While testing it , we liked that the faux - leather tail that was comfortable and adjustable ahead and back .
As an galvanizing model , it ’s quite easy to startle ( no choke ) , and we particularly appreciate the lack of exhaust system exhaust and supererogatory rut as well . As soon as you arrive at the accelerator the mower really takes off , so keep in judgement light terms is call for .
While it certainly has a lot of world power if you need to go tight , it ’s also capable to go slowly around obstacles . If you feel the pedal is too foolish , there ’s a convenient speed response setting that you’re able to aline via the digital showing menu .
Credit: The Home Depot
The mower cut the grass evenly and even chopped up leaves and sticks as it went over them . If you require to reverse the mow deck will turn off , but you may reverse this in the display menu if you wish . The deck summit is also adjustable with a big manual lever .
For extra base hit , the lawn mower honk ( rather loudly ) and also mechanically toot when you lift from the seat . conduce headlights at the front provide redundant visibleness on gloomier days , though they ’re not burnished enough for mowing at night if they ’re your only source of light .
The lawn mower is quite compact , so it takes up minimal computer storage infinite . The only downside was that it does n’t have power guidance . While it was all right when going along chop-chop , it was a little tiresome when turn slow around obstacle .
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We wish that the mower featured a handy digital display to let you bed how much battery is left . The mower only take an hour to amply send up when empty , and mowing a third of an acre only accept 20 percentage of its battery life . charge is simple — just connect the mower ’s charger to the paries socket and the mower , and unplug it when it ’s full .
Product detail : superpower : Battery |Ideal Lawn Size : Up to 2 acres |Deck Width:42 inches |Deck Height:1.5 to 4.5 inches ( adjustable , 12 positions ) |Mower Weight:700 pounds
Best Robot Mower
Husqvarna Automower 430X
It ’s very quiet and veer evenly and consistently . Plus , it has a user - friendly app with extensive feature .
It has a limited cutting width , and there ’s no protective covering for the charging station . It also does n’t notify you when it ’s range out of charge , or done mowing .
The Husqvarna Automower 430X is a orgy , but it ’s packed with sophisticated features that we reckon make it a worthwhile investiture . While testing it over a six - month menstruum , we found the lawn mower convenient and effective at sustain a medium - sized yard with various trees and obstacles .
It is operate via an visceral app that allows you to start , stop , set a agenda , ascertain the chromosome mapping , and adjust the height , amongst many other things . The cutting was always exhaustive and even , and the mower never fight , even with excess tenacious grass and in dull area .
This clever robot mower came already assembled , with one battery that need charge ( it took an minute ) . The setup was very simple with easy - to - sympathize instruction , and everything needed comes in the package .
We had to lay down the provided wire to guide the mower back to its floor ; this was soft enough , although a little time - consuming . However , we ’re proud of to note that the manual effort call for to expend this lawn mower ended there . The infrastructure , which needs to be near an electrical electric receptacle , is about half the size of the mower , and does n’t take up too much infinite .
As it start to lose its power , the robot strike itself to the place basis to charge ; the shelling is within the mower so we did n’t have to do anything else , other than trim the edges that the robot could n’t touch .
The only drawback were that the app ’s mapping feature does n’t have a “ no - go zone ” option , and it wo n’t give notice you if the battery is low or the mow is complete ( it will just give to base ) . We would have also appreciated a cover to keep the base protected from the element if not stored inside .
The mower ’s in advance prophylactic feature film are also impressive . It sound an alarm when it goes out of the geo - fence range and also provides coordinates , so you could easily place it . In increase , it needs a pin to go up . Finally , if you lift the mower , the sensors will automatically stop the blade , and there is also a with child stop button on the top of the mower .
Product inside information : Power : Battery - powered |Ideal Lawn Size:0.8 Akko |Deck Width:9.45 inches |Deck Height:0.8 to 2.4 inches ( electric tallness adjustment ) |Mower Weight:28.7 Ezra Loomis Pound
Best Mulching Mower
Toro Stripe 21-Inch Cordless Lawn Mower
It has a quick setup process , adjustable handgrip top for taller substance abuser , and multiple height adjustments .
Only one battery come with it , there ’s no alarm when the battery runs out , and the vertical store could be a safety chance .
For a truly skillful mulching mower , we recommend the Toro Stripe 60 - volt Max 21 - in Cordless Self - impel model . We test it on a small yard with plenty of obstacles , like trees , landscaping conception , and sloping , and it performed very well . The setup took around 10 to 15 minutes without any putz , and the instructions were clear and helpful .
There are nine different height option , range from 1 to 4 inches , and they are easy to adjust . The mower also features two sword speed preferences — auto mode , which adjusts based on the locoweed ’s thickness , and max mode , which goes at a higher upper .
During examination , the self - propel feature was utile and made pushing the lawn mower effortless . There ’s also an adjustable - height handle which is idealistic for tall exploiter .
The mower ’s best feature film is its mulching potentiality . The duple blades offer flawless mulching and winnow out the need to base clippings , saving around 20 minutes per hayloft . It left no visible grass press clipping and just returned the nourishing mulch back to the lawn .
We feel that this poser is ideal for intermediate - sized yards with incline and obstacles , but the shelling life might not be sufficient for larger garden . The ego - propel feature economize a good deal of clock time and manual effort , especially on sloped sections , although we did detect a yammer sound in a peculiarly steep area .
One barrage heraldic bearing lasts about an minute and 10 minute . For a bigger lawn , we recommend give birth a 2d battery William Christopher Handy , especially since there ’s no alert for when the battery runs out . This band only add up with one , however , so that ’ll make for an extra cost .
The non - adjustable headlights might be convenient for anyone who want to pout in the darkness , but we feel that these were unnecessary and put avertable breed on the battery . We liked the space - save vertical storage , but it leaves the lawn mower ’s blades exposed so is not very safe around children .
Product detail : mightiness : assault and battery - power |Ideal Lawn Size:0.66 acre |Deck Width:21 inches |Deck Height:1 to 4 inches ( adjustable , 9 positions ) |Mower Weight:73 Ezra Loomis Pound
The Bottom Line
The best lawn mower for you look on the size of it of your lawn , repositing capabilities , and specific needs . For a lawn mower that ’s great for smaller M and is less expensive than other options , theEGO POWER+ Select Cut 56 - Voltis effortless to push and can fold down succinctly for storage .
Our Testing Process
To regain the best lawn mowers , we tested 19 riding mowers and walk - behind lawn mower at nursing home . We test each lawn mower on three separate occasions on wry , moist , and wet grass . Using a predetermined methodological analysis , we evaluated each lawn mower found on a serial of divisor .
To begin , we determined ease of use based on how sluttish or hard each lawn lawn mower was to assemble and operate .
We grade carrying into action based on how long one barrage direction or tankful of gas lasted ( if relevant ) , how many inches of locoweed were ignore , how long the lawn mower film to cover ground , how easily they maneuver around obstruction , how well-to-do the deck top and options were to set , and how comfortable they were to ride .
We also cleaned each lawn lawn mower and made a note of how easy removing lawn and garden debris was . We tell on portability based on how easily the mowers could be moved around , impart if need be , and stored aside .
What to Know About Lawn Mowers Before Shopping
Lawn Mower Types
There are several types of lawn mowers , the chief ones being push mowersand riding mower . These can either begas - power , or electric battery - power . Some push mowers are corded , but you will either need an elongation corduroy or a generator to operate them as they typically do n’t have long power corduroys .
“ Push mowers are cheaper , lighter , quieter , and more eco - favorable than tease mower . They are in force for small to medium - sized lawns that are savorless and obstacle - free . However , they ’re not idealistic for citizenry with strong-arm or wellness issues , ” Clayton says .
“ Riding mowers are faster , more powerful , more prosperous , and more various than push mower . They are in effect for large lawn that are scratchy , aslant , or have obstacles , but not enceinte for people with circumscribed space or budget . ”
Credit: The Home Depot
McInerney apprize thatbattery - powered lawn mowersdon’t require as much upkeep as gasolene - power ones , but you will need to replace the battery once in a while . “ crowd battery - power lawn mower are a cost - good option , and the bulk of them can last for 60 minute on a single charge , ” he says .
“ However , flatulence mower are sound if you have to clean up a large amount of leave of absence during autumn . ”A self - propelled gas lawn mower is perfect for large and/or hilly thousand as it can drive itself , and all you have to do is direct it .
“ These lawnmowers do require unconstipated maintenance , but they are usually much cheaper to buy and uphold compared to the battery - powered galvanising option , ” McInerney articulate .
This Ryobi performed consistently well each time we tested mowing a 0.5-acre lawn, and we were impressed by its power.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
ultimately , he explains thatriding lawn mowersare well for grand of more than half an acre that do n’t have many landscape feature to avoid . “ These types of lawn lawn mower come with a mowing pack of cards that is able-bodied to trim down a magnanimous area of grass using multiple brand as you beat back over , ” he enunciate .
“ They are capable to go through an entire Akka in just an hour , which is half the time you would spend using a walk - behind lawn lawn mower to trim the same sphere . ”
Cutting Deck
A lawn mower ’s cutting deck width , also have it away as the swath or mowing width , relates to how much ground can be cover by the lawn mower in one pass . The deck of cards acme , or the cut height , depicts how short the grass will be contract , and many lawn mower feature adjustable height scene so you could give your lawn a fresh bombination cut or leave a little second of length for that just - grown - out look .
Weight and Size
For those without plenteous storage space , the exercising weight and size of a lawn mower will likely be a deciding factor . A lawn lawn mower that is promiscuous enough to be carried and can well and compactly fold away for storage would be ideal .
A declamatory lawnmower , perhaps even a ride - on mower , will be a good choice if you have plenty of service department space and many acres of lawn to tend to . Keep in thinker those model tend to be more expensive , so it ’ll be an investing .
Lawn Size
Thesize of your yardand its topography are two of the main criteria that will see the case of lawn mower you should go for . “ The larger the lawn , the with child the mower should be , ” Clayton say .
In accession to the size of your yard , Clayton also propose take the character of terrain you have . “ Hills , obstruction , and other preferences may also bear on your choice of lawn mower , ” he articulate .
McInerney suggests opting for a battery - power galvanic lawn lawn mower if you have a small-scale railway yard that is relatively flat . If , however , the topography is broadly speaking hilly or if your lawn dope tend to be thick , he recommends going for a gas mower .
Additional Features
Extra perks you might need to spring for in your lawn mower include 3 - in-1 capabilities such asmulching , bagging , back / side expelling parachute pick , and shiny lights for mowing from dusk to dawn .
Some lawn mower even have extra extras that are available to buy on an individual basis , such as a snowblower , shovel , and vacuity accessories , which make the tool even more versatile . An excess battery is always a good theme for a cordless model as you’re able to have a spare readily available just in case you want it .
Other Lawn Mowers We Tested
Kobalt Gen4 40-volt 20-in Cordless Self-propelled
We also tested theKobalt Gen4 40 - volt 20 - in Cordless ego - propelledmower and , while it ’s reasonably price and has some perks , we feel that it struggled with taller and heavyset sens , and often shut down . The self - propel function was also rather awkward , with inconsistent pep pill and a obtrusive racket that voice like a remote - control car ( although it ’s still much quieter than a gas mower ) .
We did , however , like the well-off frame-up , straightforward functioning , and the lightweight design that made it well-situated to fight around . It also offer commodious andspace - saving storagethanks to its foldaway grip that appropriate you to salt away it upright .
Your Questions, Answered
Which is best—a gas or electric lawn mower?
natural gas lawn mowers are often regarded as the most professional mowers useable due to their power to work non - kibosh and their eminent - powered motor that make quick work of chopping through tall and thick grass . This is also why you ’ll notice that gasoline lawn mower are some of the most expensive mowers on the market place . Keep in mind that they ’re not only more expensive to purchase ; they ’re also costlier to run .
novel technology in electric and cordless modelshas made it so that many non - gas lawn mower are as lasting , reliable , heavily - wearing , and efficient as throttle models . For the average abode , an electrical or cordless battery choice is ideal since there are fewer fumes , less noise ( the engines on throttle mower be given to make them noisier ) , and generally much less sustentation .
What maintenance does a lawn mower need?
A gas lawn mower would ask regular fuel , vegetable oil , and locomotive checks , as well as the unpaired spark plug alteration here and there . Maintenance on a manual , galvanising , or cordless battery - powered lawn mower could be as simple as charging the battery , storing it in a cool , dry place , and hosing it off once you ’ve finished mow the lawn . You may have to change or replace a broken part once in a while , but hopefully , the warranty will cover it .
How long do lawn mowers last?
Though they do n’t come with an expiration engagement , the lifespan of a lawn lawn mower — like that of alawn edger — depends on its utilization . Aheavy time of year of hebdomadal useon a cheap lawn mower might be its first and only season , whereas many midrange mower are built to last through years and years of regular use .
With proper care , the new breed ofrobot lawn mowerscan last 10 long time or more . A good index of how long you may gestate a lawn mower to last is to check the company warranty ; some marque offer five years or more — a expert indicant of the party ’s religion in its product .
Who We Are
This clause was drop a line byKat de Naoum , who has over 10 year of writing experience focused around lawn attention and home improvement . Kat is also an editor in chief - at - large at Thomas - Xometry , the chair U.S. on-line weapons platform for supplier discovery and product source . For this article , we reviewed and tested multiple mowers , and researched and considered factors such as each lawn lawn mower ’s power , cutting deck width , deck height , and durability , as well as value . Kat also spoke toBryan Clayton , CEO of GreenPal , andBen McInerney , the laminitis of Home Garden Guides .
What Is BHG Recommends?
Next to all of the product on this list , you may have discover ourBHG Recommends sealskin of approval . Products that earn the seal have been put through rigorous examination to verify they ’re worth a slur in your plate . We buy most of the products we test ourselves , but from time to time we are bring home the bacon samples by company if buying is n’t an option . In these cases , we use the same testing criteria we employ to test the purchased Cartesian product .
Credit: Lowe’s
The Husqvarna Automower 430X Robotic Lawn Mower is easy for beginners to navigate.Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
Credit: Lowe’s
Credit: Better Homes & Gardens
We evaluated lawn mowers to see how well they maneuvered around obstacles like trees.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
Push mowers are best for small-to-medium sized lawns that are relatively flat and even.Credit:Better Homes & Gardens
